Formula 1 is preparing to make its debut at Madrid’s new Madring circuit, with the cars set to tackle the more than five-kilometre track for the first time tomorrow. Ahead of the opening free practice session of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, the circuit is ready and several drivers have already offered intriguing assessments of what could await them.
Juan Pablo Montoya believes Madring will provide a genuine test of driver ability and courage, while Carlos Sainz has described the circuit as extremely difficult in the simulator. Max Verstappen has also identified similarities with Jeddah, although the four-time Formula 1 world champion has raised concerns about how some of the braking zones could affect overtaking.
Madring ready for its Formula 1 debut
“The Madrid circuit will separate the men from the boys,” Juan Pablo Montoya said when discussing the new street circuit in the Spanish capital, suggesting that the demanding layout will be highly selective and reward bravery behind the wheel.
Carlos Sainz has also highlighted the challenge after experiencing Madring virtually. “It combines Jeddah, Baku and Singapore. In the simulator it is very difficult,” the Spaniard said. For Carlos Sainz, the Madrid event is also the closest thing possible to a true home race.
Max Verstappen questions Madring overtaking opportunities
Max Verstappen agrees that the Madrid circuit is reminiscent of Jeddah. However, during a stream involving his virtual racing team RedLine, the four-time world champion indicated that he was disappointed by the design of the braking zones.
According to Max Verstappen, the braking areas have been designed so that drivers are already effectively turning as they arrive at them, something he believes will not favour overtaking. His comments add another point of interest ahead of Formula 1’s first opportunity to discover how Madring works with real cars on track.
Madrid F1 circuit photo gallery
Tomorrow’s first free practice sessions will finally begin to reveal Madring’s strengths and weaknesses. The hope is that Madrid’s new venue proves to be a successful addition to the Formula 1 calendar rather than a circuit without a distinctive character of its own.
Until then, these images offer a closer look at the new Madrid F1 circuit before Formula 1 begins its first competitive laps around Madring.
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